Begins in the NFC South
The NFL is back, and with it comes a fresh slate of expectations, talent, and drama. One of the most anticipated matchups of Preseason Week 1 is the showdown between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, scheduled for Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET. The clash between these two NFC South rivals promises not only to showcase newly acquired talent and offseason strategies but also to stir the pot in a division packed with uncertainty and potential.
The 🏈 Falcons vs Buccaneers matchup is more than just a tune-up—it’s a crucial opportunity for each franchise to test their depth, evaluate rookies, and preview what fans can expect in the upcoming 2025 NFL season.
🏟️ Game Details
- Matchup: 🏈 Falcons vs Buccaneers
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
- TV Broadcast: Local CBS/Fox Affiliates, NFL Network
- Streaming: NFL+, fuboTV, YouTube TV (where available)
🔍 Preseason Expectations: A Look at Both Teams
Atlanta Falcons: A New Direction Under Kirk Cousins
The Atlanta Falcons enter the 2025 preseason with renewed optimism. Following their major offseason acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins, the franchise is signaling a serious attempt to dominate the NFC South and push for postseason relevance. Cousins’ leadership, experience, and poise in the pocket give the Falcons a dimension they sorely lacked in recent seasons.
Key Storylines for Atlanta
- Kirk Cousins’ Debut: Though starters may only play a series or two, all eyes will be on Cousins as he takes his first snaps in a Falcons jersey.
- Bijan Robinson’s Year 2 Leap: The versatile running back looks ready to become one of the NFL’s elite weapons.
- Defensive Improvements: With DC Ryan Nielsen in his second year, Atlanta hopes to build on their improved defensive stats from 2024.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Life After Baker Mayfield?
On the other sideline, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing their own identity crisis. After parting ways with Baker Mayfield in the offseason, the quarterback battle between Kyle Trask and rookie Jaxon Daniels will be under heavy scrutiny. The Bucs are in a soft rebuild, trying to remain competitive while building for the future.
Key Storylines for Tampa Bay
- QB Battle Heating Up: Both Trask and Daniels are expected to get significant playing time in this preseason opener.
- Rejuvenated Defense: With key veterans like Lavonte David and Antoine Winfield Jr. returning, the defense remains the team’s cornerstone.
- New Coaching Philosophies: Todd Bowles has revamped his offensive staff, seeking creativity and rhythm on offense.
🧠 Coaching Matchup: Smith vs. Bowles
Arthur Smith enters his fourth year as Falcons head coach, and while his offenses have been physical and run-heavy, the addition of Cousins may allow for a more vertical passing game. This game will provide early signs of how much of the playbook has shifted in favor of a balanced or pass-centric approach.
On the other hand, Todd Bowles, known for his defensive acumen, is under pressure to revive a sluggish offense and capitalize on a still-solid defense. His performance this season could determine his job security heading into 2026.
🛡️ Defensive Units Under the Microscope
Falcons’ Defense: Asserting Identity
The Falcons have worked diligently in free agency and the draft to bolster their front seven. Grady Jarrett remains the anchor in the trenches, while second-year safety Brian Branch adds versatility and speed in the secondary.
Buccaneers’ Defense: Still Formidable
Tampa Bay continues to lean on their defense. Shaquil Barrett, Vita Vea, and Winfield Jr. are the heart of a unit that prides itself on hard-hitting, turnover-inducing football. If they can get support from their offense, the Bucs can make noise even in a transitional year.
🔥 Players to Watch in the 🏈 Falcons vs Buccaneers Matchup
Falcons
- Kirk Cousins (QB): His preseason snaps may be limited, but his chemistry with receivers will be analyzed frame-by-frame.
- Drake London (WR): A potential breakout star in 2025.
- Bijan Robinson (RB): Will he be utilized more as a receiver this year?
- Arnold Ebiketie (EDGE): Needs to emerge as a consistent pass-rushing threat.
Buccaneers
- Kyle Trask vs. Jaxon Daniels (QB battle): A defining storyline that could affect Tampa’s entire season.
- Chris Godwin (WR): Will he continue to be the reliable force on offense with a new QB?
- Calijah Kancey (DL): After an impressive rookie season, Kancey is expected to make a big Year 2 leap.
📈 Position Battles to Watch
Falcons
- Left Guard: A tight competition brewing between rookie Zach Frazier and veteran Matt Hennessy.
- Nickel Cornerback: With multiple options including Clark Phillips III, this battle could impact the pass defense depth.
Buccaneers
- QB1 Spot: Arguably the most important position battle in this entire matchup.
- RB2 Role: With Rachaad White cemented as the starter, the backup spot is up for grabs between Chase Edmonds and rookie Kenny McIntosh.
📊 Historical Context: Falcons vs Buccaneers Rivalry
The 🏈 Falcons vs Buccaneers rivalry has seen plenty of memorable clashes over the past two decades. Both teams have traded blows for NFC South supremacy, with Tampa Bay’s recent Super Bowl run in 2020 still fresh in fans’ minds.
- All-Time Series: Buccaneers lead 30-29
- Last Meeting: Falcons defeated the Buccaneers 24-20 in Week 14 of the 2024 season.
Expect this preseason matchup to ignite the rivalry once again, even if the results don’t count toward the regular season standings.
🎯 What to Watch For
- Tempo and Execution: Both teams are installing new plays and schemes. Watch for pre-snap penalties, missed assignments, or clean execution.
- Health and Snap Count: Will key starters see the field? And for how long?
- Special Teams Impact: Preseason games often hinge on big returns, blocked kicks, or missed field goals.
- Roster Fringe Players: These games are golden opportunities for 3rd-string players to win final roster spots.
📺 How to Watch the 🏈 Falcons vs Buccaneers Game
- TV Broadcast: NFL Network (nationally), Fox/CBS (regionally)
- Streaming: NFL+ (mobile and tablet), fuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV
- Local Radio: 92.9 The Game (Atlanta), 98Rock (Tampa Bay)
- NFL Game Pass: Available for replay after live broadcast
Be sure to check local listings to confirm broadcast availability in your area.
🎟️ Tickets and Stadium Experience
Raymond James Stadium, home of the Buccaneers, remains one of the most energetic venues in the NFL. With cannons blasting from the pirate ship and fans eager to see the future of their franchise, the preseason opener is expected to draw strong attendance.
- Ticket Prices: Starting from $29 on Ticketmaster
- Parking: Open 3 hours prior to kickoff
- Fan Guidelines: Clear bag policy, mobile ticketing enforced
💬 Expert Predictions
Falcons 20, Buccaneers 17
Most analysts expect a close, low-scoring affair, typical of Week 1 preseason games. With both teams rotating QBs and testing depth charts, this game may come down to a late drive or a special teams play.
- MVP Prediction: Bijan Robinson (ATL) – One explosive run may be all he needs.
- Breakout Rookie: Jaxon Daniels (TB) – Poised to make a statement.
🏈 Falcons vs Buccaneers Preseason Showdown
Although it’s “only” the preseason, the 🏈 Falcons vs Buccaneers clash on September 7, 2025, offers more than meets the eye. For Atlanta, it’s about launching a new era behind Kirk Cousins and evaluating how close they are to contention. For Tampa Bay, it’s about choosing the right quarterback and finding offensive rhythm amidst change.
The rivalry, though tempered, will simmer under the surface as these NFC South foes begin their journey. Fans, scouts, and fantasy managers alike will have plenty of reasons to tune in.
This isn’t just the return of football. It’s the first domino of a 2025 season that promises surprises, breakout stars, and playoff dreams. The NFL is back. Buckle up.